I use this on all types of single track. I moved from a hard tail to this and the difference is astounding. I am bombing down hills and hitting jumps with confidence. It climbs really well, and the 120mm of suspension is perfect for anyone looking for a super smooth ride without giving up the ability to climb. The design of the rear suspension makes the bike feel bottomless, even when hitting 4ft drops at high speeds. The dropper seat post is also a must. Trek is the way to go!

Great all around bike....this is my first 29, stepping up from a 26, what a difference. I ride in the desert SW and it can be hard on tires but the Bontrager tires and wheels are garbage! Can't believe they put them on this level of bike, definitely not on par with the other components. Absolutely by this bike but talk to your bike shop and trade out the tires before you ride it!

I thought I'd upgrade from a 20-year-old Diamondback that served me very well. My first ride out on big trails and I accidentally caught some air. Fearing that I was going to break every bone in my 57-year-old body, I made my peace with my Maker mid-air. Until this day, I don't remember the landing. Butter!!! This bike made me look so good. I'm 260lbs and this think handled like a champ. Wicked quick and snaps to me when I ask her. Love this bike.Worth every penny.

Have really been enjoying my move to the 29" version of the 2016 EX 8 from an older 2008 26". It so much easier rolling over roots and rocks compared to the 26. I didn't think I'd appreciate the dropper post but I've found it very useful and now couldn't imagine not having one. I converted the wheels to tubeless before my first ride and it only took about 30 minutes and haven't had any issues in 300 miles of riding in my first 4 weeks. For my type of riding and my local trails the travel of the suspension has been perfect. Very pleased.

Been riding since July and I am not ever gonna stop. This bike has been great to learn trail riding and downhill riding on. It is maneuverable through very rocky sandy and tight packed surfaces providing confidence. It hits drops and some smaller jumps super smoothly. Overall I am super impressed, I did put a dropper seat post which is the only upgrade that it needed. Thanks trek!!

I got this bike August 1st on sale for 2,200. It is simply amazing.The suspension is so smooth when you hit the trails. Or you can lock the suspension for riding on the street. With its 30 gears you won't have any problem finding one that fits whatsoever your riding over. I'm surprised how easy it was to get to a top speed of 29mph on a flat street ( no hills).Fun versatile and a great deal.

my first ever squishy (full suspension) bike. the fuel is a blast to ride, just the right amount of travel for my home trails without feeling burly and slacked out like a big travel bike. the stock wheels on the Ex 8 are nothing to write home about but they're solid - in any case that's where i'd upgrade first. the tires do come tubeless ready though, which is pretty great. go tubeless, you won't regret it. slap on a dropper post and maybe new wheels and the fuel ex 8 is everything you could ask for in a trail bike for all but the burliest riding.

I ride road and rail trails with my wife typically, but I also work in Colorado and keep my Fuel there. I ride mountain trails from lift served terrain like Vail or Breckenridge or local locations like Palmer Park. This bike is awesome. Handles most everything, including dirt trails, rocks, jumps, drops (3 ft or so), uphills, downhills, etc. The suspension is great. downhill you can setup the suspension to take the hits, yet uphill stiffens out for efficient climbing. The 29" wheels make for a smoother ride and easier to overcome obstacles. When in very tight rocks or builders on steep slopes can be a little harder to turn than a 26" wheel, but wouldn't switch due to the advantages of 29" wheels in other situations. LOVE THIS BIKE. Cloud use a drop post but that's an add-on.